Symbolism in Glaspells Trifles Essay Example For Students

Symbolism in Glaspells Trifles Essay Symbolism in Glaspells Trifles Symbolism in Glaspells Trifles In todays society, we generally view upon everyone as equal beings who deserve equal rights. At the turn of the 20th century, this particular view didnt exist. Men clearly dominated almost every aspect of life and women were often left with little importance. The Wrights embody this view of roles in Susan Glaspells play Trifles. Mrs. We will write a custom essay on Symbolism in Glaspells Trifles specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Wright was a typical woman who suffered the mental abuse from her husband and was caged from life. In Trifles, a mixture of symbolism of oppression illustrates Mrs. Minnie Wrights motives to kill her husband and to escape from imprisonment. In the play, the setting takes place in an abandoned and gloomy farmhouse out in the country. Almost immediately does the reader get the impression that it is a very secluded and cold place. The coldness of the setting in many ways resembles the aloofness of Mr. Wright who is described as hard man and a raw wind that gets to the bone. Most of the play revolves around the women and the kitchen. While the men scramble throughout the house looking for evidence or hints of a motive for death, the women stumble upon the entire mystery while remaining at the place where they were told to remain and gather items Mrs. Wright. The kitchen too seems like a remote place and much resembles the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Wright. The kitchen is the spot where Mrs. Wright (and most women of the time) spent most of their time in. Like the cage to the canary, she feels imprisoned in the kitchen and she feels compelled to escape by any means. Her break out is executed at the expense of Mr. Wrights life. In the play, the county attorney stumbles upon Mrs. Wrights preserves. Due to the frigid temperature, most of her preserves held in glass jars had broken. Only one jar a jar of cherries manages to survive. The fruit possess much symbolism as well. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters feel very sorry that Mrs. Wright had spent much hard work in the hot weather in order to have her preserves. She had saved the fruit so that one day she could enjoy them. However, this was not the case. All of her hard labor was shattered as a result of the temperature. Similarly, Mrs. Wright was shattered by her husband killing her canary bird. The broken jars and spoiled fruit also resemble Mrs. Wright. They are both contained in this cold atmosphere and sooner or later break. The one jar of cherries that manages to survive suggests Mrs. Wrights character. Despite all the negative influences around her, she will not meet her demise and she has to do the only thing that would keep her from vanishing- that is, murdering Mr. Wright. Much like the kitchen, the birdcage is also used as a symbol for Mrs. Wright. In the play, Mrs. Peters finds the birdcage empty. The two ladies also find that the cages door hinge is pulled apart. The ladies conclude that someone had been rough with it. The cage in the play suggests many things. A cage signifies imprisonment and captivity. This easily fits within the play and represents the confinement of Mrs. Wrights marriage. Mrs. Wright did not do much in her later life. Most of her time was spent in the kitchen. Before her marriage, Mrs. Wright was described as being a lively and pleasant woman who would love to sing. Since her marriage, she had been transformed into a secluded and sheltered woman. Mrs. Wright does not want to feel this way any longer and needs to escape her incarceration. The only way she can get away from this is by taking the life of her husband. Perhaps the most distinct symbols in the play comes from the dead canary Mrs. Peters and Mrs. .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf , .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .postImageUrl , .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf , .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf:hover , .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf:visited , .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf:active { border:0!important; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf:active , .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u8afcda152b01c2ab2c202d85b042ffaf:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Use of Contrasts in Act I of The Tempest Essay Hale later find in Mrs. Wrights sewing box. The canary is one of the things that had keeps Mrs. Wright sane. It remains one of the few precious things in her life. The bird represents Mrs. Wrights happiness. When the two ladies had found the cage, they think maybe the cat got it. Indeed, the cat does .

How to Handle Disapproval of Interracial Relationships

How to Handle Disapproval of Interracial Relationships If youre in an interracial relationship, you may be crazy about your partner but dismayed that others disapprove. So, what’s the best way to handle the objections? Communication and boundary-setting are key. Above all else, take the steps necessary to protect your relationship in the face of ongoing negativity. Don’t Assume the Worst For your own mental health, assume that most people have good intentions. If you notice eyes on you and your significant other as you walk down the street, don’t automatically think  it’s because the passersby disapprove of your interracial union. Perhaps people are staring because they consider you a particularly attractive couple. Perhaps people are staring because they applaud you for being in a mixed relationship or because they belong to a mixed couple themselves. It’s quite common for members of interracial couples to notice similar couples. Dont Give the Haters Any of Your Time Of course, there are times when strangers on the street are openly hostile. Their eyes really do fill with hate at the sight of interracial couples. So, what should you do when you’re on the receiving end of their glares? Nothing. Just look away and keep going about your business, even if the stranger actually shouts out an insult. Getting into a confrontation is unlikely to do much good. Moreover, your choice of mate is absolutely no one’s concern but yours. The best thing you can do is not give the haters any of your time. Don’t Spring Your Relationship on Loved Ones No one knows your family and friends as you do. If they’re open-minded liberal types or have had an interracial relationship or two themselves, they’re unlikely to make a fuss upon meeting your new partner. If, in contrast, they’re socially conservative and have no friends of a different race, let alone dated anyone of mixed race, you might want to sit them down and let them know that you’re now a part of a mixed couple. You might frown upon this idea if you think of yourself as color-blind, but giving your loved ones advance notice that you’re in an interracial relationship will spare you and your partner from an awkward first encounter with your friends and family. Without advance notice, your mother might grow visibly flustered, or your best friends might ask if they can speak to you in the next room to grill you about your relationship. Are you prepared to have these kinds of awkward encounters? And how will you react if your partners feelings are hurt because of your loved ones’ behavior? To avoid drama and pain, tell your loved ones about your interracial relationship in advance. It’s the kindest move to make for all involved, including yourself. Dialogue With Disapproving Family and Friends Say you tell your friends and family that you’re now  part of an interracial couple. They react by telling you that your children will have it hard in life or that the Bible forbids interracial coupling. Rather than angrily labeling them ignorant racists and dismissing them, try to address your family’s concerns. Point out that mixed-race kids who are raised in loving homes and allowed to embrace all sides of their heritage don’t fare any worse than other children. Let them know that interracial couples such as  Moses and his Ethiopian wife  even appear in the Bible. Read up on interracial relationships and the common misconceptions that surround them to put to rest the concerns your loved ones have about your new union. If you shut off communication with your loved ones, it’s unlikely that their misconceptions will be corrected or that they will become more accepting of your relationship. Protect Your Partner Does your partner really need to hear every hurtful remark your  racist relatives  have made? Not in the slightest. Shield your partner from hurtful comments. This isn’t only to spare the feelings of your significant other. If your friends and family ever do come around, your partner can forgive them and move forward free of resentment.   Of course, if your family disapproves of your relationship, you’ll have to let your partner know, but you can do so without going into excruciating detail about race. Yes, your partner may have already experienced racism and the pain of being stereotyped, but that doesn’t mean he or she no longer find bigotry unsettling. No one should grow accustomed to  racial prejudice. Set Boundaries Are your friends and family trying to force you to end your interracial relationship? Perhaps they keep trying to set you up with people who share your racial background. Perhaps they pretend as if your significant other doesn’t exist or go out of their way to make your mate uncomfortable. If you’re experiencing any of these scenarios, it’s time to set some boundaries with your meddling loved ones.   Let them know that you’re an adult capable of choosing an appropriate mate. If they don’t find your mate appropriate, that’s their problem. They have no right to undermine the decisions you’ve made. Furthermore, it’s hurtful for them to disrespect someone you care about, especially if they’re only doing so because of race. Set Ground Rules Which ground rules you set with your loved ones are up to you. The important thing is to follow through on them. If you tell your mother that you won’t attend family functions unless she also invites your significant other, stick to your word. If your mother sees that you’re not going to let up, she’ll decide to either include your mate in family functions or risk losing you.